South London native David Haye disposed of Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli in less than two rounds to unify the cruiserweight division. Haye entered London’s O2 Arena on Saturday night with the WBA and WBC belts and collected Maccarinelli’s WBO strap after a brilliant show of speed and power.  

The fight began shortly after 2 a.m. local time with a delirious, sold out crowd of 20,000 rocking the O2. Maccarinelli vs. Haye was a promotion of Frank Warren’s Sports Network. 

In a battle of big punching British champions, Haye landed the first big punch early in the second round staggering Maccarinelli. Haye stalked him into the corner and followed up with a barrage of lefts and rights. Haye, aptly nicknamed “The Hayemaker,” landed another big right hand to send Maccarinelli down. Although he was able to get on his feet, Maccarinelli was on unsteady legs as referee John Keane began to count.  Keane waived off the fight before completing his count at 2:04 of the second round.  

“‘The Hayemaker’ doesn’t lie,” said the jubilant and fresh unified champion. “It is nice to know that the cruiserweight division is now cleaned up. It is time to move up to heavyweight and fix that disgraceful division.” 

Haye improves his record to 21-1 with 20 knockouts. 

“Ever since I was a boy, I’ve said I would be the heavyweight champion of the world,’’ Haye said. “Against my speed, my athleticism, my amateur pedigree, there’s nothing those heavyweights out there can do.” 

Catch an encore of Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast: 

Monday, March 10                  8 p.m.            SHO Extreme

Tuesday, March 11                10 p.m.            SHO2

Wednesday, March 12          10:30 p.m.        SHOWTIME 

And on SHOWTIME On Demand (where available) beginning March 11